Tag Archives: bella vista

Coming Fall 2014 you will start to see many more bikes traveling these city streets. The city has committed millions of dollars in capital funds to this Bike Share project that may have you rethink how you get around. Their goal is to implement the Bike Share in zones of Center City and surrounding neighborhoods. When the project is at completion they hope to see between 150-200 Bike Share stations docking nearing 1,500 bikes.

(Photo Source: http://www.phila.gov/bikeshare)

Bike Share will be prominent in neighborhoods such as Bella Vista, Queen Village, Passyunk Square, South Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, Temple University all the way to the Navy Yard. At the most recent Bella Vista Neighbors Association meeting, this was discussed in great detail by the Mayors Office of Transportation and Utilities as Bella Vista would have a Bike Share station implemented.

The Bike Share program wouldn’t be for your everyday bike rider. This program would be targeted at students, tourists, anyone who does not own a bike. This would become one more option of transportation similar to jumping on the bus or walking. Yearly and monthly memberships will be offered. They price comparable to other major cities with Bike Share options. A single ride could be bought for under $10.

These bikes will be large, heavy and uniquely designed for Bike Share. They will be three-speed and made with hard to replace parts hoping to deter theft. Philadelphia will become the 37th city to offer a Bike Share program. As a non-bike rider living in Center City Philadelphia (for reasons of erratic Philly drivers) I am still excited to see this change come to the city as it promotes outdoor, physical activity. Although, I would consider making one change and make the helmet policy mandatory.

What used to be home to South Philadelphia Florists is now on the market. Including the 4 apartments in the same building. Located at 10th and Wharton, the asking price on this property is a pretty penny, coming in at close to $590K. All four apartments are included in the asking price but notes suggest that the floral shop could be sold separately. This location is a high foot traffic area as Pat and Geno’s are right down the block across from the active Capitolo Playground. So who wants to stop and smell the flowers?!

(Photo Source: nakedphilly.com)

Flowers on your mind?! Maybe you’d like to invest in a smaller space – formerly a flower shop and private residence. An ideal location right across from the singing fountain in East Passyunk, this listing iz zoned for commercial use and could be used in a variety of ways (commercial on three floors, commercial on first and second with living quarters on the third floor, etc., etc…) Options are endless! This might be the best location in all of Passyunk Square! All it needs is your vision and some TLC. Please view more info on this listing or contact Larry Levin.

If you’re a vintage and/or antique collector your weekend’s just got a little sweeter. Recently opened, Nostalgia is located at 704 s. 5th Street (5th and Bainbridge) and offers all ends of vintage memorabilia ranging from sunglasses to cameras. This boutique will also be showcasing local artists throughout the year along with many other in store events. Get your shop on before heading to the Good King Tavern for some drinks and french inspired eats.

Located at 7th and Kater, Good King Tavern‘s recent opening has triggered some talk around the neighborhood. Offering some cuisine diversity, we feel this is a great addition to Bella Vista. So go ahead, take a Saturday to stroll and get your grub on while wearing your new vintage shades!

Fleisher Art Memorial was founded in 1898 as a non profit organization focused on making art accessible to everyone in the community regardless of background or experience. Founder, Samuel S. Fleisher pushed his vision to reality understanding that art is one of the greatest assets and equalizers in a society. On November 24th join your neighbors in Bella Vista for a public supper to celebrate Fleisher’s 142nd birthday.

A small donation will provide you with a meal and ballot. While artists and presenters share their proposals you can enjoy dinner and dessert. Proposals are creative, unique and art inspired. All attendees are asked to vote on which project should receive the ‘dough’. Maybe this is why they call this community gathering Breaking Bread?! Read more information here.

(Image Source: fleisher.org)

Each year Fleisher influences more than 17,000 individuals who strive to learn and create art. They hold classes, exhibitions and community programs including this Breaking Bread event. Samuel Fleisher believed in the importance of self expression through creativity and intellectual exploration. His core values focus on the artist is us all, the fulfillment of art and the community in which we create and share art.

(Image Source: fleisher.org)

“Art Enriches the Community — By nurturing each individual’s creative potential, we aim to provide social,
cultural, and economic benefits to the community as a whole.” – Samuel Fleisher

Recently, a new proposal was heard for the huge vacant lot that sits at Broad and Washington, on the edge of Bella Vista and Passyunk Square. Remember the days of tents and Cirque du Soleil? Elisabeth Garson, a freelance creative director started with a big idea last year. A large scale, outdoor food and flea market with music and activities from March through September.

This proposed project “The Philadelphia Arts Market”, will host craft and flea market vendors, Philly’s favorite food trucks, a stage for local musicians, designated fitness areas and more. The mission is to create weekend ‘must-do’ activities for locals and visitors. Businesses can become engaged through sponsorships and funding while this attraction will be targeting families, young and old. This space is to be viewed as a weekend hot spot making use of this abandoned, eye sore lot.

(Here’s a rendering from Passyunkpost.com)

Two alternate sites were mentioned in case this proposal is denied; one at Columbus and Reed and the other at Columbus and Oregon. Broad and Washington seem much more centralized that we are excited to follow this proposal. We hope to see this space transform into a weekend landmark for these neighborhoods. To view more information on Elisabeth and her proposal click here.

This Saturday, September 21st you can join your local art crowd at the Philadelphia Magic Garden to celebrate their 5th annual Magic Beyond the Gardens Gala. From 6-10pm you can help support this annual fundraiser by purchasing a ticket and enjoying live music, dancing, a silent auction, food and an open bar. The silent auction will offer prizes to several high praised establishments in Center City. Located at 1020 South Street, squarely between Bella Vista and Washington Square West, this event is expected to draw a crowd of near 300 locals and inspiring artists and supporters.

(Image Source: phillymagicgardens.org)

Philadelphia’s Magic Garden has been educating individuals of all ages for years. Offering workshops, education programs and self-guided walk throughs, this event will feature founder and artist Isaiah Zagar. So join in the fun this Saturday and help support local businesses, keep artists thriving and educate our community on the importance of art and self expression. For more information and tickets click here.

New to market in Queen Village, a single family row home. Located at 135 Fitzwater, three bedrooms, one bath offering exposed brick, glass walls, wood burning fire place, patio/garden area and more. A spacious layout with updated appliances. A quaint part of Queen Village with tree lined streets and walking distance restaurants, this single family is listed at $575,000. Open house will be held August 22nd at 7pm.

(Image Source: realtor.com)

Just a few blocks south in Pennsport, a four story, single family has been recently listed. Listed at over half a million, this three bedroom, two and a half bath, 2,700+ square foot single family offers a roof deck, patio/den, updated appliances and a garage. At 129 Ellsworth, this property has had only two owners previously and conveniently located walking blocks from Society Hill, Headhouse Square and Queen Village. While a leisure cab ride would tap your wallet at under $10 to most center city attractions and restaurants.

If you’re looking for something a little larger and closer to Center City, Bella Vista has a single family, three bedroom, three bath available at 727 S. Jessup Street. State of the art appliances, garage, roof deck (with city skyline views), hardwood floors, granite counter tops, walk in closets and more sure make this property quite appealing at a listing price of $715,000. Built in 2006, this deluxe property includes a finished basement and gas fireplace for all entertaining and family needs. Within walking distance of several churches, schools, parks and famous Philadelphia restaurants (including the forever battling cheesesteaks; Pats and Geno’s).

One you may want to keep your eye on if you are in the buying market. Originally refused by the zoning committee for not providing the required open area space in the front and rear, this issue was revised and re-presented on Tuesday August 13th. This proposal is for a single family home at 735 S. Darien Street, approximately 30 feet high, with bay windows and a roof deck offering 2nd and 3rd floor access. Volpe, the builder of this project, has also constructed close to a dozen other homes in Bella Vista. This project is estimated to take 2-3 months to complete. This new dwelling was supported by the surrounding neighbors and will be presented to the ZBA next month.

This empty lot is currently the space of 735 S. Darien Street. (Image Source: google.com)